Sorry but if kid brother breaks my record I’ll switch my phone off!

But the Celtic legend also joked he will make sure he can’t be contacted if his sibling finally tops the 63-goal tally he amassed in five dazzling years at Parkhead.

Hearts ace John — who has also hit the net in the top flight for Dundee, St Mirren and Motherwell — is currently just one strike from matching his big brother’s total.

Sutton, 29, will look to level the scores when the Jambos host relegation-threatened St Mirren tomorrow.

With two more games before the end of the season he will be looking to leave Chris trailing by the summer.

Former Hoops idol Chris, 40, said: “I’m proud of John for what he’s done in his career.

“I’d be pleased for him if he beats my record.

“I didn’t know about it until you told me. I was shocked, I have to admit.

“But John’s played up there for a while now.

“You also have to remember that in recent seasons he hasn’t played as often as he would have liked at Hearts. If he’d been a regular the chances are he would probably already be way past my record.

“John’s been unfortunate. Jim Jefferies took him to Hearts and was sacked just a few games into that season.

“Then, as often happens in football, the new manager didn’t fancy John as a player and that was him out.

“But he’s a strong character. It was a disappointing time for him, but he remained determined to make the most of any opportunities that came his way.

“Now he’s back in the side and doing well.

“I’m pleased for him. He’s a good player and he’s proved if he’s playing regularly he’ll deliver a good quota of goals for the team.

“But John’s not just a goalscorer. He works hard for the team too, and I always believe that’s an important quality to have.

“We get on well, although I haven’t spoken to him about my goals record.

“If and when it happens I’ll just have to make sure my phone’s off — and pretend I don’t know about it.

“But I wish John good luck. There are still enough games left for him to do it this season.

“I was pleased with the amount of goals I scored at Celtic. But my SPL record is not something I’ve ever particularly thought of.”

The Suttons’ father Mike was once a midfielder for Norwich City and has been a huge sporting influence on his sons — not just with football but also raising them as keen cricketers.

Premiership winner Chris, who also won a Treble at Celtic and helped them to the 2003 UEFA Cup Final, said: “John’s 10 years younger than me and it’s been difficult for him because of the success I had as a player. People always make comparisons and that’s unfair.

“John’s made a career for himself in the game and I’m proud of him for that.

“As kids our dad would always speak to us about the game. If anything, I thought that he was softer on John than me.

“But the main thing was that he was honest with both of us. That’s all you could ask for.

“I know he’s proud of what me and John have been able to do in football.

“Who’s got the most natural ability between us? I think that’s for others to judge.

“All I will say is that John’s certainly a better cricketer than I am.”

Chris’ memories of growing up with his brother are full of warmth and laughs.

The former Norwich City, Blackburn Rovers and Chelsea striker said: “My mum once banned me from babysitting John because she didn’t want him growing up stupid. She was probably right to feel that way!”

The next generation of the Sutton dynasty is also on the horizon.

Chris seems set to find himself in the same position his dad once was, with oldest son Ollie, 16, showing promise as a goalkeeper.

The irony is not lost on him, considering he once took great pleasure in destroying whoever it was between the opposition sticks during his glittering 16-year career.

He said: “Ollie is keen on being a goalkeeper. He’s 16 and I think he’s got a chance.

“If I think he’s ready to go on trial at clubs I’ll do my best to arrange it for him.

“He first started showing an interest in being a goalie while he played for St Cadoc’s during our time in Glasgow.

“He could maybe do with growing a few inches more, but height’s not always everything with goalkeepers.

“We’ve seen through the years a few who have done well without being the tallest.

“Why a goalkeeper? Well, he’s probably not the most athletic for any of the outfield positions.

“But he really enjoys playing in goal and I think he’s got a chance.

“I certainly wouldn’t try to stand in his way if he wants to have a go at making a career of it.”